Hypoparathyroidism results from a deficiency of parathyroid hormone and can be hereditary, caused by damage to the parathyroid glands, or due to other issues. It requires lifelong treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent complications. Hyperparathyroidism is an excess of parathyroid hormone and can be primary, secondary, or tertiary. It is associated with complications and may require surgery to remove parathyroid tumors. The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of risk factors that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, increased physical activity, and following a Mediterranean-style diet are the primary interventions.

1. HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
AND
HYPOCALCEMIA

2. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Hypoparathyroidism results from a deficiency of PTH from biologically ineffective
hormones, damage or accidental removal of the glands, or impaired skeletal or renal
response.
■ In the hereditary form, parathyroid glands are either absent or not functioning properly;
symptoms appear before age 10.
■ Other causes include magnesium deficiency or neonatal immaturity.
■ If untreated, hypoparathyroidism- retardation-dysmorphism (HRD) may result.

3. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Cancellous bone in hypoparathyroidism is abnormal, suggesting that PTH is required to
maintain normal trabecular structure (Rubin et al, 2010).
■ Hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemia is one of the most common results of damage to
parathyroid glands during surgery; in fact, it may be diagnosed during a workup for
hypocalcemia.
■ Vitamin D levels may also be deficient.
■ Intraoperative PTH levels are used widely during parathyroidectomy as an indicator of
parathyroid gland function; vitamin D supplementation after surgery may be given to
anticipate decreased parathyroid gland function and to avoid symptomatic hypocalcemia
(Quiros et al, 2005).

4. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Hypoparathyroidism is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment with large
doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements.
■ Episodes of tetany are treated with calcium given intravenously to provide quick relief of
symptoms.
■ Controlled release of physiological concentrations of PTH can be achieved using a
surgically implantable controlled- release delivery system (Anthony et al, 2005).

5. INTERVENTION OBJECTIVES
■ Normalize serum and urinary levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
■ Prevent long-term complications such as cataracts, pernicious anemia, Parkinson’s
disease, and bone disease.
■ Prevent mental retardation or malformed teeth in affected children.
■ Decrease symptoms of tetany and improve overall health status.

6. FOOD AND NUTRITION
■ Use a high-calcium diet with dairy products, nuts, salmon, peanut butter, broccoli, and
other green leafy vegetables. If tolerated, lactose should be included in the diet for better
absorption of calcium.
■ Oral supplements high in calcium should be used, such as calcium carbonate.
■ Reduce excess use of meats, phytates (whole grains), and oxalic acid (spinach, chard,
and rhubarb) if the diet contains large amounts.
■ Intake of vitamin D and protein should be adequate, at least meeting recommended
levels.

7. Common Drugs Used and Potential
Side Effects
■ Calcium lactate (8–12 g) may be used. Ergocalciferol (Calciferol) is a vitamin D analog
that is used with calcium supplements in this condition. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) also may be
useful.
■ Diuretics sometimes are given to prevent too much calcium from being lost through the
urine, which is a problem that can lead to kidney stones. Taking diuretics also reduces
the amount of calcium and vitamin D supplements needed.
■ Overuse of steroids may cause hypocalcemia.

8. Herbs, Botanicals, and
Supplements
■ Herbs and botanical supplements should not be used without discussing with physician.

9. NUTRITION EDUCATION,
COUNSELING,
CARE MANAGEMENT
■ Indicate which foods are good sources of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
■ Indicate which foods are sources of phytates and avoided, if dietary intake is a concern.
■ Discuss role of sunlight exposure in vitamin D formation and how it relates to individual
needs.

10. Patient Education—Foodborne
Illness
■ If home tube feeding is needed, teach appropriate sanitation and food-handling
procedures.

11. HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
AND HYPERCALCEMIA

12. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) results from parathyroid adenoma in up to 80%
of cases, hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands in 10–20% of cases, or cancer.
■ Double parathyroid adenomas occur in 2–15% of pHPT cases (Abboud et al, 2005).
■ pHPT has been associated with premature death in CVDs and should, therefore, be
quickly managed (Nilsson et al, 2005).

13. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) occurs in renal failure or even after renal
transplantation.
■ Calcitriol deficiency and phosphorus retention are involved in the pathogenesis.
■ Parathyroid gland hyperplasia develops in azotemic patients, producing hypercalcemia
and hyperphosphatemia.
■ Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease is stimulated by dietary
phosphate loading and ameliorated by dietary phosphate restriction (Martin et al, 2005).
■ The disorder is complex in that not enough phosphate is cleared from the body;
phosphate is released from bone and Vitamin D is not produced.
■ Thereafter, absorption of calcium in the gut is low and serum levels of calcium are
lowered.

14. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ In children with renal failure, growth can be impaired.
■ Postmenopausal women after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may show evidence of
secondary hyperparathyroidism with elevated bone resorption.
■ There is an effect of early breast tumors on calcium homeostasis; subclinical
hyperparathyroidism may increase the risk for breast cancer (Martin et al, 2010).
■ Age-induced increased PTH plasma levels have been associated with cognitive decline
and dementia.
■ Increased PTH levels may become a biological marker of both dementia and
osteoporosis (Braverman et al, 2009).

15. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ Parathyroidectomy can induce long-lasting improvement in regulation of BP, left
ventricular diastolic function, and other signs of myocardial ischemia, with improved life
expectancy (Nilsson et al, 2005).
■ A minimally invasive procedure is available.
■ After surgery, mild cognitive changes seem to improve, especially for depression and
anxiety (Walker et al, 2009).

16. INTERVENTION OBJECTIVES
■ Lower elevated serum calcium and urinary calcium levels. Maintain calcium levels
between 8.4 and 9.5 mg/dL.
■ Normalize serum phosphate; keep phosphorus between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL and calcium
􏰒 phosphorus product below 55 mg/dL.
■ Alleviate constipation, anorexia, weight loss, and weakness.

17. INTERVENTION OBJECTIVES
■ Avoid clinical consequences such as renal osteodystrophy, hyperphosphatemia,
cardiovascular calcification, extra- skeletal calcification, endocrine disturbances,
neurobehavioral changes, compromised immune system, altered erythropoiesis, renal
stones, and sleep disturbances.
■ Prevent rickets and growth delay in children (Sabbagh et al, 2005).
■ Prepare for surgery if parathyroidectomy is necessary.

18. FOOD AND NUTRITION
■ Use a low-calcium diet with fewer dairy products, nuts, salmon, peanut butter, and green
leafy vegetables.
■ Extra fluid is useful to correct or prevent dehydration, which can elevate serum calcium
levels.
■ Limit phosphorus-containing foods if hyperphosphatemia is present.
■ Use alternatives such as nondairy creamer, sorbet, jams and jellies, white rice, noodles
with margarine, cream cheese, whipped cream, popcorn, pretzels, gingerale or Koolaid if
extra calories are needed.
■ Dietary protein 0.8 g/kg for a balanced intake of protein in adults.

19. Common Drugs Used and
Potential Side Effects
■ Vitamin D therapy sends a signal to the parathyroid gland to slow down the making of
PTH. This helps to prevent many of the unwanted complications of hyperparathyroidism.

21. Common Drugs Used and Potential
Side Effects
■ Treatment with active vitamin D from analogs can increase VDR expression, inhibit
growth of parathyroid tumors, and reduce PTH levels (Akerstrom et al, 2005). Zemplar
(paricalcitol) and Hectorol (doxercalciferol) are examples of vitamin D analogs. These
products are especially useful for dialysis patients.
■ Cinacalcet (Sensipar) has been approved to treat sHPT in renal patients and parathyroid
cancer. It also appears to effectively treat pHPT. Cinacalcet normalizes serum calcium
with only modest increases in PTH (Sajid-Crockett et al, 2008).
■ Phosphate-binding agents that do not contain calcium offer therapeutic alternatives for
managing renal osteodystrophy. Sevelamer (Renagel) lowers serum phosphorus and
PTH levels without inducing hypercalcemia. Sevelamer binds drugs such as furosemide,
cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, making them less effective. The timing of administration
should allow several hours between these medicines. Standard protocols are
recommended for use of phosphate binders.

22. Common Drugs Used and Potential
Side Effects
■ Once-yearly intramuscular cholecalciferol injections (600,000 IU) have been used to
correct vitamin D deficiency; controlled trials are needed to determine the effect on PTH
levels over time.
■ Some antacids may contain high levels of calcium; monitor carefully.
■ Bisphosphonates may be needed to decrease risks for osteoporosis.

23. Herbs, Botanicals, and
Supplements
■ Herbs and botanical supplements should not be used without discussing with physician.
■ Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces prostaglandin E2 synthesis, which is required for
PTH release. More research is needed.

24. NUTRITION EDUCATION,
COUNSELING,
CARE MANAGEMENT
■ Discuss foods that are sources of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Indicate food
sources of phytates and oxalates, if intake is a concern.
■ Discuss role of sunlight exposure in vitamin D formation and how it relates to individual
needs.
■ Drink plenty of liquids.

25. NUTRITION EDUCATION,
COUNSELING,
CARE MANAGEMENT
■ In renal patients, focused counseling may help to clarify misunderstanding of simple
dietary facts.
■ The doctor should monitor Ca++ and P monthly and PTH quarterly after stabilization.
■ Exercise and smoking cessation may be needed.

26. Patient Education—Foodborne
Illness
■ If home tube feeding is needed, teach appropriate sanitation and food-handling
procedures.

27. METABOLIC
SYNDROME

28. DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND
■ The metabolic syndrome (MetS; insulin resistance syn- drome or syndrome X) has
simultaneous clustering of low levels of HDL cholesterol, hyperglycemia, high waist
circumference, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides. Any three of the following five
criteria constitute diagnosis of MetS (Grundy et al, 2005):
➤ Elevated waist circumference: 40’’ or 102 cm in men; 35’’ or 88 cm in women.
➤ Elevated triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dL or drug treatment for elevated TG.
➤ Reduced HDL cholesterol: <40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women or drug
treatment for low HDL cholesterol levels.
➤ Elevated BP: >130 mm Hg systolic BP or 85 mm Hg diastolic BP or drug treatment for
hypertension.
➤ Elevated fasting glucose: >100 mg/dL or drug treatment for elevated glucose.

29. ■ It is associated with CVD and often leads to T2DM.
■ This condition affects some young people but usually affects persons aged 55 years and
older.
■ More than 64 million Americans have MetS, roughly one in four adults and 40% of adults
aged 40 years and older.
■ Increased birthweight, excessive energy intake, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking,
inflammation, and hypertension contribute to MetS.
■ Individuals who are obese and insulin resistant are particularly prone to this syndrome.
■ An “apple” shaped figure (high waist circumference) is riskier because fat cells located in
the abdomen release fat into the blood more easily than fat cells found elsewhere.
DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND

30. ■ Serum adiponectin levels are associated with insulin sensitivity; they are decreased in
T2D and obesity. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to risk (Gable et al, 2006).
■ The initial insult in adipose inflammation and insulin resistance is perpetuated through
chemokine secretion, adipose retention of macrophages, and elaboration of pro-
inflammatory adipocytokines (Shah et al, 2008).
■ In women, depressive symptoms are associated with MetS, especially with elevated
afternoon and evening cortisol (Muhtz et al, 2009). Clearly, more research is needed.
DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND

31. ■ Management of MetS should focus on lifestyle modifications, especially reduced caloric
intake and increased physical activity (Deedwania and Volkova, 2005).
■ Phytochemicals, MUFA, antioxidant foods, spices such as turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon
have anti-inflammatory effects.
■ Intake of whole milk, yogurt, calcium, and magnesium protect against MetS whereas
intake of cheese, low-fat milk, and phosphorus do not (Beydoun et al, 2008; McKeown et
al, 2009).
DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND

32. INTERVENTION OBJECTIVES
■ Reduce the inflammatory state and insulin resistance caused by excessive adipose
tissue. Improve body weight; lessen abdominal obesity in particular. A realistic goal for
weight reduction should be 7–10% over 6–12 months (Bestermann et al, 2005).
■ Promote physical activity. Recommendations should include practical, regular, and
moderated regimens of exercise, with a daily minimum of 30–60 minutes and equal
balance between aerobic and strength training (Bestermann et al, 2005).
■ Achieve and maintain cholesterol, blood glucose, and BP at levels indicated by the
American Heart Association, as follows (Grundy et al, 2005):

33. For Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
■ For elevated LDL cholesterol: Give priority to reduction of LDL cholesterol over other lipid
parameters. Achieve LDL cholesterol goals based on patient’s risk category. LDL
cholesterol goals for different risk categories are:
➤ High risk: seek 70–100 mg/dL
➤ Moderately high risk: seek 100–130 mg/dL
➤ Moderate risk: seek 130 mg/dL
➤ Lower risk: 160 mg/dL is acceptable

34. For Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
■ If TG is >200 mg/dL, then goal for non-HDL cholesterol for each risk category is 30 mg/dL
higher than for LDL cholesterol. If TG is >200 mg/dL after achieving LDL cholesterol goal,
consider additional therapies to attain non-HDL cholesterol goal.
■ If HDL cholesterol is <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, raise HDL cholesterol to
extent possible with standard therapies for atherogenic dyslipidemia. Either lifestyle
therapy can be intensified or drug therapy can be used for raising HDL cholesterol levels,
depending on patient’s risk category.

35. For Elevated BP
■ Reduce BP to at least achieve BP of >140/90 mm Hg (or <130/80 mm Hg if diabetes is
present). Reduce BP further to extent possible through lifestyle changes.
■ For BP >120/80 mm Hg: Initiate or maintain lifestyle modification via weight control,
increased physical activity, sodium reduction, and emphasis on increased consumption of
fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products in all patients with MetS.
■ For BP >140/90 mm Hg (or >130/80 mm Hg if diabetes is present), add BP medication as
needed to achieve goal BP.

36. For Elevated Glucose
■ For IFG, delay progression to T2DM. Encourage weight reduction and increased physical
activity.
■ In diabetes, for hemoglobin A1 c at or above 7.0%, lifestyle therapy and
pharmacotherapy, if necessary, should be used. Modify other risk factors and behaviors
(e.g., abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, elevated BP, or lipid abnormalities).

37. For Prothrombotic State
■ Reduce thrombotic and fibrinolytic risk factors. Low dose aspirin therapy or prophylaxis is
recommended.

38. For Proinflammatory State
■ There are no specific therapies beyond lifestyle changes. The antioxidants and omega-3
fatty acids may be helpful.

39. FOOD AND NUTRITION
■ The general recommendations include low intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and
cholesterol. Increase use of omega-3 PUFA intake (Shen et al, 2007) and MUFA
(especially extra virgin olive oil).
■ Plan a Mediterranean-type diet using more fiber and starches, especially whole grains,
raw fruits, and vegetables. A plant-based diet may be useful (Barnard et al, 2005).
■ The DASH diet contains 3–4 g sodium with good sources of potassium, calcium, and
magnesium. Dairy products provide calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
■ Monitor blood glucose levels. Carbohydrate restriction (CR) has been shown to improve
dyslipidemias associated with MetS more than a low fat diet (Al-Sarraj et al, 2010).

40. ■ Encourage soy protein as a meat substitute several times a week; soy protein may help
with weight reduction and dyslipidemia (Bestermann et al, 2005).
■ Ensure adequate intake of folate, vitamins B6, B12, C, and E, preferably from food.
■ Dark chocolate in small amounts regularly may help lower BP, improve cholesterol, and
help with insulin sensitivity.
■ Spread out the energy load by eating smaller meals.
FOOD AND NUTRITION

41. Common Drugs Used and Potential
Side Effects
■ To lower lipids, a statin should be used initially unless contraindicated (Bestermann et al,
2005).
■ Statins decrease biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-related
manner; atorvastatin 80 mg compared with a 10-mg dose is superior for decreasing
oxidized LDL, hsCRP, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and NF-kB activity (Singh et al, 2008).
■ Glucose-lowering medications must be carefully prescribed and monitored. Metformin
may be indicated (Orchard et al, 2005).

42. Common Drugs Used and Potential
Side Effects
■ BP medications may be prescribed; monitor for necessary restrictions of sodium and/or
higher need for potassium. An ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker is usually
the first medicine (Bestermann et al, 2005).
■ Medications that diminish insulin resistance and directly alter lipoproteins are necessary;
combination therapy is often required (Bestermann et al, 2005).
■ If patients with MetS have elevated fibrinogen and other coagulation factors leading to
prothrombotic state, aspirin is used (Deedwania and Volkova, 2005).
■ Low-dose aspirin is not generally a problem; taken with a meal or light snack to prevent
potential for GI bleeding.

43. Herbs, Botanicals, and
Supplements
■ Antioxidant supplements are not recommended, but intake of antioxidant-rich foods
should be suggested (Czernichow et al, 2009).
■ Thus far, trials with alpha tocopherol have been disappointing; further trials with gamma
and alpha-tocopherols are warranted.
■ Include phytochemcals, antioxidant foods, and spices such as turmeric, cumin, and
cinnamon in the diet.
■ Chromium picolinate (CrPic) enhances insulin action by lowering plasma membrane (PM)
cholesterol (Horvath et al, 2008).
■ Coenzyme Q10 may have some merit, but further research is needed.

44. Herbs, Botanicals, and
Supplements
■ High serum selenium concentrations have been associated with prevalence of higher
FPG, LDL, TG, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels; further research is needed to
determine its role in the development or the progression of MetS (Bleys et al, 2008).
■ Other herbs and botanical supplements should not be used without discussing with
physician.

45. NUTRITION EDUCATION,
COUNSELING, CARE
MANAGEMENT
■ Widespread screening is recommended to slow the growth of this syndrome.
■ Prevention should start in childhood with healthy nutrition, daily physical activity, and
annual measurement of weight, height, and BP beginning at 3 years of age (Bestermann,
2005).
■ Discuss the role of nutrition (DASH or Mediterranean diet principles) in managing this
syndrome.
■ Obesity is a major contributor to the problem, so weight loss (even 10 lb) can help
improve health status.
■ A diet rich in antioxidants and DHA is beneficial. Finally, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines are
consistent with lowering risk for MetS (Fogli-Cawley et al, 2007).

46. NUTRITION EDUCATION,
COUNSELING, CARE
MANAGEMENT
■ Regular physical activity can help to lower elevated blood cholesterol levels and BP.
■ Walking, or an exercise that is pleasant for the individual, is the one to select. Aerobic
and strength training exercises are beneficial.
■ Reduce sedentary activities, including television and computer time (Ford et al, 2005).
■ Smoking cessation measures may be needed. Offer guidance on how not to gain weight
after quitting.

47. Patient Education—Foodborne
Illness
■ If home tube feeding is needed, teach appropriate sanitation and food-handling
procedures.

48. ANY
QUESTIONS?
Thank You!